Sinclair named to HarbourCats coaching staff
Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Steve Sinclair (Victoria, B.C.) has been named an assistant coach for the Victoria HarbourCats in 2023.
February 24, 2023
Official Victoria HarbourCats News Release
VICTORIA, B.C. -- The coaching staff that will support Victoria HarbourCats head coach Todd Haney in search of a 2023 West Coast League (WCL) title is a mix of new energy and tremendous experience.
Haney, who enters his fourth year as a HarbourCats coach and third in the top job, is proud to add former Arkansas and Texas State player Jaxon Williams and veteran WCL pitching coach Scott Anderson, joining returning coach Troy Birtwistle, who will coach first base as he has since 2017.
Also joining the crew this year is Victoria legend and former MLB lefty Steve Sinclair. Curtis Pelletier remains part of the effort as youth program coach, collegiate Golden Tide head coach, and will provide specialist work with catchers and hitters.
"I'm excited about this group, no question," said Haney, who played at the MLB level with the Expos, Cubs and Mets. "We have a great mix of youth and experience with the 2023 coaching staff, providing all of our players with a tremendous development opportunity for the summer. Troy, Curtis, Jaxon and Scott bring a wealth of knowledge to the team and the addition of Steve Sinclair makes us that much better!"
Williams, from Texas, was a scrappy infielder at Arkansas, then Texas State and has worked as a personal trainer and coached at the high school level since leaving college. The 25-year-old hit .265 with 10 home runs in 147 games combined in the SEC and Sun Belt Conference.
"Jaxon was one of my favorite players to coach at Texas State. Our players will love his energy and passion for the game," said Haney who coached Williams for one season at Texas State.
Anderson's record is distinguished, drafted three times -- first round, second round and fourth round as a lefty pitcher -- and starring at Oregon State. He earned six pro seasons, giving up just 362 hits in 459 innings. Anderson, who now lives in Phoenix, coached in Bend in the WCL and was named WCL manager of the year in 2009. The 67-year-old, one of the real characters in the game, led the Lefties pitching staff in Port Angeles in 2017.
"I'm excited to work with Todd and for an organization like Victoria, they do everything the right way," said Anderson, also a former MLB scout with Tampa Bay, Cleveland and Baltimore. "The game experience for fans in Victoria is outstanding but it's still about playing great baseball. Todd has the right approach for development, class and character."
Sinclair pitched two seasons, for Toronto and Seattle, as a lefty specialist, making 45 MLB appearances. The Blue Jays traded Sinclair, a life-long Victoria resident, to the Mariners for first baseman David Segui in 1999.
"We are thrilled Steve will have the opportunity to coach with us this summer. Scott Anderson is a proven winner and one of the top pitching coaches in the game. What a great learning experience for our pitching staff to have access to Scott and Steve on a daily basis during the summer season," said Haney.
Ex-MLB players Greg Swindell and Mark Petkovsek were unable to return to Victoria for the summer, after serving with the team in 2022.
“The HarbourCats organization will miss Greg and Mark, they loved Victoria and did a tremendous job of teaching last season,” said Haney of his former college teammates.
HarbourCats 2023 Coaching Staff
Todd Haney, Head Coach (third as Head Coach, fourth overall)
Scott Anderson, Pitching Coach (first season)
Jaxon Williams, Assistant Coach (first season)
Troy Birtwistle, Assistant Coach (fifth season)
Steve Sinclair, Assistant Coach (first season)
Curtis Pelletier, Youth/Collegiate Development Coach (fourth season)